Years ago, I was working out on the treadmill when a crazy thought popped into my head: What if we could come up with $1 million to invest in local charities?
One of the reasons we started Vision Coaching was to make an impact. Giving back to the community was part of our culture, but we weren't convinced that the giving was making the kind of measurable impact we had hoped for.
Surely, $1 million in targeted donations could make a difference. We couldn’t do that alone, but we started to wonder if other small- and medium-sized business leaders would be willing to join in.
We rang up the United Way and told them about this “crazy idea.” After some discussion, the Million Dollar Pledge was born in 2017 – 10 businesses would pledge to donate $10,000 a year for 10 years.
Fast forward to 2024, and the Million Dollar Pledge, alongside United Way Saint John, Kings & Charlotte, is up for a Community Impact Award from the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 28.
This recognition is a reflection of the dedication of everyone who believed in the crazy idea and stepped up to be a part of the Pledge, and we couldn’t be prouder of what this group achieved together.
We rang up the United Way and told them about this “crazy idea.” After some discussion, the Million Dollar Pledge was born in 2017 – 10 businesses would pledge to donate $10,000 a year for 10 years.
We’re about seven years from launch, with 10 highly committed Pledge partners, and more than half way to our $1 million goal. Our combined giving is focused on bolstering the fortunes of youth in our region.
Our deepest gratitude goes out to all the other businesses and leaders who have signed on to the Pledge with Vision Coaching: Aquila Tours, Dillon Consulting, Hemmings House Pictures, Mrs. Dunster’s/Kredls, Scott McCain, Teed Saunders Doyle, Will Bernard & Hannah Fitch-Bernard, and two anonymous donors. The Pledge would not have been possible without their leadership.
And, of course, none of our progress we’ve made could have happened without the United Way, which provides crucial support and advice.
The five-year impact report from the United Way shows that investments made by the Pledge are making a meaningful – and measurable – difference:
Nearly 750 elementary students and more than 600 high school students have been supported through 41 different programs.
More than 450 children participated in the Summer Slide program, helping them avoid summer learning loss.
More than 100 elementary students improved their literacy skills with specialized tutoring.
And more than 125 parents gained skills and built stronger community connections through targeted programs.
Of course, these aren’t just numbers – they’re people in our communities whose lives have been changed and futures brightened.
At Vision Coaching, we’re committed to helping people and organizations unlock their potential, and the Million Dollar Pledge aligns perfectly with those values. We've always believed that when leaders come together, the impact can be transformative.
At Vision Coaching, we remain deeply committed to the Pledge and to the belief that when we come together, we can achieve incredible things.
Programs like Summer Slide, which helps students maintain or even improve their academic skills over the summer, are making a real difference. It’s incredible to see how these efforts set kids up for success when they return to school.
As we celebrate this Community Impact Award nomination, we're reminded of why we started the Million Dollar Pledge in the first place. It was never just about raising money – it was about creating a movement, a commitment to doing better for our communities.
We're incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, but we know there’s still more work to do. At Vision Coaching, we remain deeply committed to the Pledge and to the belief that when we come together, we can achieve incredible things.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey. Your contributions – whether financial, through volunteer efforts, or simply by spreading the word – have been instrumental in making this vision a reality. Together, we’re proving that when you invest in your community, you get back so much more.
Sincerely,
Dave Veale Founder & CEO Vision Coaching Inc.
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